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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 08/06/2018 CITY COUNCIL 6 AUGUST 2018 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 6 August 2018, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: M. Emery, Acting Chair; T. Barritt, T. Chittenden (via phone), D. Kaufman Also Present: T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; A. Bolduc, City Attorney; A. Lafferty, Deputy City Attorney; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; J. Murray, Librarian; H. Rees, Recreation Department; B. Sirvis, J. Kochman, S. Dooley, M. Simoneau, L. Bedinger, B. Gagnon, J. Wilking, M. Cota, V. Carzello, S. Mays, R. Gagnon, K. Dolbec, W. Wooden, R. Cruz, J. Eltman, J. Langan, J. West, A. Chalnick, T. Perrin, T. Zylka 1. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency: Mr. Hubbard provided instructions on emergency evacuation of the building. 2. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 3. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the agenda: Ms. Servis suggested giving the “senior center” a catchier name that indicates its use for other activities in addition to a “senior center.” 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended in recent weeks. Mr. Hubbard: Noted that the City Manager is on vacation this week. Reminded members of the special meeting next Monday at 6:30 p.m. and next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. following the Grand Opening of City Center Park at 5 p.m. 5. Consent Agenda: a. Approve and Sign Disbursement b. Approve Minutes for 21 May, 4 June, 11 June, 18 June, 25 June, 2 July and 16 July c. Warn a public hearing in support of capital improvements within the City Center Tax Increment Financing District Mr. Kaufman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 6. Councilors’ reports from Committee assignments: Mr. Barritt reported on the meeting of the Pension Advisory Committee. There was discussion on the estimated return, and members decided not to take any action at present. There was also discussion of putting management of the fund out to bid. No action was taken. The next quarterly meeting is in October. Mr. Chittenden reported that at the most recent Green Mountain Transit meeting the contract with rural drivers was ratified. The annual retreat will be held in Montpelier where members will be able to look at that city’s new downtown transit center. 7. Report on Activities of the Community Justice Center: Ms. Bedinger noted that the Center is based at the Police Department where they report to Chief Whipple. The are based on the concept of “restorative justice” which is evolving from simply repairing harm to preventing the harm from happening in the first place. To meet these goals, the organization currently has 8 programs which are support by 3 staff, 20 volunteers and a number of subcontractors. Those programs are: a. Restorative Justice Panel: the panel heard 136 cases in 2017 (the high was 222 in 2013). These cases are referred by the Police Department, some of which have gone to court. The number of cases has been decreasing over time, possibly because offenders are not repeating, though there is no specific data to support this. Ms. Bedinger noted that over 60% of the cases the panel hears are for offenses that occurred at University Mall and involve offenses such as check fraud. b. Conflict Assistance: the panel addresses 7 of these cases a year which usually involve issues of noise. c. Offender Re‐Entry: A “circle of support” provides long‐term one‐on‐one support to 3 or 4 people a year who are the highest risk. d. Resource Navigation: 8 such cases are addressed a year and may involve providing clothes for those entering the work force, assisting with a school course, etc. It has been shown to lower the repeat rate for sex offenders by 75%. Participation is voluntary e. Victim Services and Parallel Justice: this program reaches out to victims of crimes. 58 victims were contacted in June, 2018. The program is currently on hold until a new grant begins this October. Ms. Bedinger showed quotes from those who have been served by the program. One hope is to have a local South Burlington fund. f. Restorative Practices in Schools: Over 600 Vermont educators have been trained in restorative practices including 33 in South Burlington. g. Safe Driving Program: 404 people were served in 2017 and 373 already in 2018. Participants are referred by attorneys and probation officers for all sorts of dangerous driving. h. Writing Inside Vermont: This program takes pace in prison facilities. One book of inmate writing has been published, and another is in the works. i. Community Dialogue and Education: Community discussions have taken place regarding opioid addiction, lockdowns at schools, etc. There is a hope to do more of this on a regular basis. Mr. Chittenden noted that his father served on the organization’s panels for many years. He asked if there are offenses that could go through the process but aren’t. Ms. Bedinger said there are some. The system was put in place to deal with lower level crimes, but research shows that it works even better with more moderate and higher level crimes. Domestic violence is now being looked at. 8. Introduction of Deputy City Attorney Amanda Lafferty: City Attorney Bolduc introduced Deputy City Attorney Lafferty who has been serving as outside counsel for 18 years. She specializes in issues involving zoning, land development, etc. Mr. Hubbard noted Attorney Lafferty has “hit the ground running.” 9. Public Information Session on duly-warned primary ballot article related to adding 1 cent to the South Burlington Municipal Tax Rate and investing the accumulated funds in bike and pedestrian facilities: Mr. Bolduc noted the information session is a requirement for bonding. He then explained the ballot items. Mr. Barritt moved to open the public hearing. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. A member of the audience asked how long the 1-cent on the tax rate will last. Mr. Bolduc said it will last for 10 years. Ms. Emery said it would pay for engineering and construction, not maintenance. She also cited the need to connect portions of the city’s paths. Mr. Bolduc said they will bond for the estimated 10-year amount and pay off the bond with fund that are accumulated from the 1-cent tax. Mr. Hubbard added that the expectation is that most of the money will be used in the short term and then paid off. Ms. Emery added that the funds would also provide “matches” for grants the city might receive. There was no further public comment. Mr. Kaufman moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 10. Consider possibly ballot article related to Kennedy Drive stormwater project and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund: Mr. Bolduc said the city is working with the state on a companion project at the Bartlett Bay Treatment Plant. The state has been identifying additional projects that can be done and has identified the Kennedy Drive project. This project would have to be bonded for. Mr. Bolduc noted that the Governor recently signed a bill providing that a “companion project” would not have to be separately bonded. The city is waiting to hear whether the Kennedy Drive project would fall under that provision. In the meantime, the Council will be asked to approve a ballot article in case the project does not qualify. Presentation on Proposed Indoor Recreation Facility: Ms. Rees and Ms. Kochman noted receipt from residents of requests for facilities such as pickle-ball courts. The Recreation Department and Parks/Rec Committee try to meet such requests but do not have indoor recreation facilities. Ms. Rees said they do the best they can with the resources they have. She noted the city is “land rich, facilities poor.” Ms. Kochman added there is no “programmable indoor space,” and schools are available only on a limited basis. Ms. Rees noted the current crisis with no space for the city’s basketball program this year. Ms. Kochman said one of the items on the city’s TIF application was to build a “recreation center.” Ms. Rees cited current constraints at City Hall and the schools, especially in the summer when recreation is very important. Renting space is very expensive. Requests from residents include (in addition to pickle ball courts) dodgeball leagues, indoor camp space, indoor event space, Broom Ball leagues, dancing instruction, and more. Ms. Kochman said the highest priorities are indoor recreation facilities and support staff expansion. Ms. Kochman briefly reviewed NRPA standards and where South Burlington falls within those standards. For example, the city is 75% below the standard for indoor recreation space, and the capital budget is 50% below that of other respondents. Per capital expenditure for recreation is 75% below other respondents. One potential solution has been identified and involves the Champlain Oil building on Dorset Street plus space in a nearby building. Staff is working to acquire that space. Ms. Rees showed the potential for what could occur in those facilities including: volley ball, pickle ball, dance, tennis, a walking track, off-season markets, trade shows, and community events. The cost estimate for the facilities is $1,500,000. This would be TIF eligible and could also be funded through reserve funds, impact fees and Recreation Foundation funding. There would be no additional tax increase. The hope is to put this on the March ballot. Ms. Kochman reviewed a resolution from the Recreation and Parks Committee in support of this option. Mr. Kaufman, who is head of the Recreation Foundation, explained how this came about and noted the Foundation is engaged in raising private funding. Mr. Hubbard explained how the Champlain Oil property came into the discussion with the sale of that company. The Company owners retained the property and are very willing to work with the city as partners in an agreement. They would retain most of the office building, but the city could use the first floor for administrative offices for the Recreation Department. It is hoped there will be an agreement in the next month. Mr. Kaufman cited the contributions of Tony Cairns to recreation in South Burlington and noted that Tony is a very generous individual. He stressed that the Foundation will look for a major donor(s) to get this going quickly. Mr. Hubbard said the Planning Commission will see a presentation next week and will review what might be necessary to meet the Form Based Code standards of the area. Mr. Barritt suggested looking into the costs for a standard steel building in addition to costs for the inflatable dome design. Mr. Hubbard noted the inflatable buildings have a 20-year lifetime as they are now built; a steel building would result in a tax increase. Mr. Barritt felt this is part of the intention of “redevelopment” of City Center and would be a real asset to the city. Mr. Wilking expressed concern with removing this property from the taxable land in the city. He felt that redeveloping the land could provide the city with additional tax monies and suggested looking at Dorset Park for an indoor recreation facility. He felt this would be a good project for the new Economic Development Committee. 11. Interview with Applicants for City Boards, Committees, and Commissions: The Council interviewed the following applicants for openings on city Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Valerie Carzello Affordable Housing Committee Stuart Mays Affordable Housing Committee Rheal Gagnon Affordable Housing Committee and Airport Commission Katie Dolbec Bike/Ped Committee William Wooden Bike/Ped Committee Robin Cruz Dog Park Committee Jason Eltman Planning Commission Bernard Gagnon Planning Commission James Langan Development Review Board or Planning Commission Matthew Cota Development Review Board Jacob West Planning Commission, Development Review Board, and/or Economic Development Committee John Wilking Development Review Committee and Economic Development Committee Andrew Chalnick Energy Committee Mike Simoneau Economic Development Committee Tim Perrin Energy Committee Tammy Zylka Recreation & Parks Committee Ms. Emery explained the process for appointments to be made. 12. Consider and Possibly Approve Appointment Paul Conner as Zoning Administrative Officer, Code Officer and Telecommunications Officer: Mr. Kaufman moved to appoint Paul Conner as Zoning Administrative Officer, Code Officer and Telecommunications Officer. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 13. Consider and possibly approve a resolution recognizing the service of Raymond Belair to the City of South Burlington: Ms. Emery read the Resolution citing Mr. Belair’s service to the City. Mr. Conner said it was a professional and personal pleasure to work with Mr. Belair. He cited the outpouring of accolades since Mr. Belair announced his retirement. He touched thousands of people’s lives. Mr. Kaufman moved to approve the Resolution Recognizing the Service of Raymond Belair to the City of South Burlington. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 14. Other Business: No other business was presented. 15. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Barritt moved the Council convene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. Members reviewed an application from the Rotisserie for outside consumption. Mr. Barritt moved to approve the application from the Rotisseries for outside consumption. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. Mr. Barritt moved that the Board reconvene as City Council. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 16. Appointment: Mr. Barritt moved to appoint Nancy Fawley to the Library Board of Trustees. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 17. Possible Executive Session to discuss: a. The negotiating or securing of real estate purchase or lease options b. Confidential attorney-client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Council c. Appointments to City Boards, Commissions and Committees Mr. Barritt moved that the Council make a specific finding that premature general public knowledge of the confidential attorney-client communications related to pending or probably civil litigation, to which the public body is a party, made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to this Council would clearly place the public body and the City at a substantial disadvantage. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. Mr. Barritt the moved that having so found, the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing: the negotiating or securing of real estate purchase or lease options, confidential attorney-client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Council regarding pending or probable litigation, and appointments to City Boards, Commissions and Committees and to include in the executive session Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Conner, Mr. Bolduc and Ms. Lafferty. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed 4-0. The Council entered executive session at 10:45 p.m. and returned to open session at 11:14 p.m. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Chittenden moved to adjourn. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. South Burlington Water Dept. Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 08/07/18 Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 8/7/2018 3414 Canver Investments Registered 89.70 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/27/2018 VI-14593 REFUND 89.70 89.70 8/7/2018 3415 Champlain Water District 51,604.82 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/31/2018 VI-14600 SBWD-340 51,604.82 51,604.82 8/7/2018 3416 Champlain Water District 144,017.46 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/30/2018 VI-14594 684A-063018 1,032.43 1,032.43 7/31/2018 VI-14599 SBWD-333 191.55 191.55 7/31/2018 VI-14605 JULY WATER CONSUMPTION 142,793.48 142,793.48 8/7/2018 3417 E.J. Prescott, Inc. 257.13 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/17/2018 VI-14588 5414352 11.31 11.31 7/17/2018 VI-14589 5410031 92.76 92.76 7/9/2018 VI-14591 5409483 45.24 45.24 7/9/2018 VI-14592 5407935 107.82 107.82 8/7/2018 3418 Ferguson Waterworks #576 489.78 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/26/2018 VI-14603 0835240 489.78 489.78 8/7/2018 3419 FirstLight Fiber 43.14 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/15/2018 VI-14587 4240695 43.14 43.14 8/7/2018 3420 Mountain Valley Sprinkler Systems 230.00 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/26/2018 VI-14595 11304 230.00 230.00 8/7/2018 3421 Office Essentials 325.53 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/19/2018 VI-14590 35242 172.45 172.45 7/23/2018 VI-14604 35264 153.08 153.08 8/7/2018 3422 City Of South Burlington 306,169.63 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 8/2/2018 VI-14601 JULY SEWER CHARGES 306,169.63 306,169.63 8/7/2018 3423 City Of South Burlington 227,298.18 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 8/1/2018 VI-14597 JUNE STORMWATER -8.61 -8.61 8/2/2018 VI-14602 JULY STORMWATER 227,306.79 227,306.79 Printed: August 02, 2018 Page 1 of 2 South Burlington Water Dept. Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 08/07/18 Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 8/7/2018 3424 The Other Paper 252.00 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/19/2018 VI-14586 18772 126.00 126.00 7/26/2018 VI-14596 18825 126.00 126.00 Total Amount Paid: 730,777.37 SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Printed: August 02, 2018 Page 2 of 2 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com MEMORANDUM TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager South Burlington City Council FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning SUBJECT: Appointment of Paul Conner as Zoning Administrative Officer, Code Officer, and Telecommunications Officer DATE: August 6, 2018 City Council meeting Staff is requesting that Paul Conner, be able to issue permits and oversee permitting during the transition period following Ray Belair’s retirement last month. As you likely know, Ray retired on July 31st. He will be providing support to us on a part-time basis over the next month or so while we hire and train a new staff person, but this will be occasional. The authority granted to him by Council at the March re-organizational meeting will remain in effect. In order to provide the public with the greatest customer service, and in order to help a new person to come on board and have a supporting network, staff is seeking that Paul Conner be appointed as the City’s Zoning Administrative Officer, Code Officer, and Telecommunications Officer. With this action, Cathyann LaRose and Marla Keene will also retain their authority as acting zoning administrative officers and acting code officers, to be able to issue permits, etc. The appointment would be effective until the Council’s next round of annual appointments in March. Proposed motion: “I move that Paul Conner be appointed as Zoning Administrative Officer, Code Officer, and Telecommunications Offer.”